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Albarn and Cocker to perform at The Songs of Scott Walker

Story by Jack Foley

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A HEAVYWEIGHT cast of vocalists, musicians and dancers has been announced for Scott Walker’s extraordinary production of songs from his Drift and Tilt albums at The Barbican, including singers Damon Albarn, Dot Allison and Jarvis Cocker.

Produced by Scott Walker himself, the concerts – taking place from November 13 to 15, 2008 – will be set and designed for the Barbican Theatre stage, and include an orchestra, Walker’s band, as well as the key special guests.

One-time frontman of Pulp, Jarvis Cocker has since gone solo, moved into film music and curated the 2007 Meltdown festival.

Damon Albarn’s many acheivements in music include fronting Blur, co-creating Gorillaz and Africa Express, and staging the much-lauded contemporary opera Monkey.

Scottish singer-songwriter Dot Allison, part of One Dove, is also a peripatetic member of Babyshambles.

Also appearing will be Gavin Friday, the Dublin based artist who recently appeared at the Barbican as part of the acclaimed Rogue Gallery; Grant Doyle, the Australian baritone and Vilar Young Artists protégé at Royal Opera House; composer and baritone Michael Henry; and vocalist and actor Nigel Richards, who shared the lead role in a tour of The Black Rider.

This extraordinary project, provides a unique opportunity to experience the theatrical intensity of Walker’s music in a live setting and is led by seasoned team of creative Visionaries including Director Ann-Christen Rommem (Black Rider, Il Tempo di Postino) Designer AJ Weissbard and Conductor Philip Sheppard, who are joined by a cast which includes dancers Philip Herbert and Lorena Randi and by puppeteers Johnny Storey and Andy Jones.

Scott Walker is an enigma. The archetypal pop star turned recluse, he is increasingly acknowledged as one of the most important and adventurous musical pioneers of his generation.

This world premiere of live performances of songs from Scott Walker’s seminal works, including his albums Tilt and Drift, promises to be one of the major musical events of 2008.